Wattson Audio Madison and Madison LE
The Madisons share an identical enclosure, albeit with different LED- and enclosure colors, deviating silk-screen styling, and aluminum footers for the LE version.
Supported Formats and Resolutions
Both Madison versions support the following formats:
- Supported compression formats: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, WMA
- Control protocols: UPnP/DLNA, AirPlay, TIDAL connect, Roon Ready, Audirvāna
- Streaming services supported by the Wattson Music app: TIDAL, Qobuz, and Airable radiostations.
Both Madison versions support the following resolutions:
- Network streaming resolution: PCM up to 32-bit 384kHz, DSD up to 256x (11,2896MHz)
- S/PDIF input resolution: PCM up to 24-bit 192kHz
iOS and Android Apps
Wattson Audio have developed their own mobile solution called Wattson Music, which is available for iOS and controls all the device’s functions.
The iOS app offers all the functionality you could wish for.
Very handy when space is tight: an EQ setting to compensate for speakers in corner placements.
Wattson Remote, the Android version of the Wattson Audio control app, has the same sleek design, although it currently does not offer library browsing or transport buttons. Still, the Android app does provide easy access to the device’s settings.
Review Context
The two Madisons will be listened to in the main system using the XACT S1 UPnP Music Server with the Aqua LinQ Network Interface, the Antipodes Oladra running Roon, Direct Qobuz Connect streaming, and a regular Windows Desktop Computer running a UPnP server as part of JRiver Media Center as digital sources, with the CH Precision C1.2, Denafrips Ares 12th-1, Laiv Harmony DAC + Harmony HP2A, and Aqua Formula xHD v2 DACs for comparison. The rest of the system comprises the CH Precision L1 preamplifier, CH Precision A1.5 power amp, and Magico S1 MkII speakers.
Running In and Warm-Up
Wattson Audio does not mention the devices requiring running in or warming up. Nevertheless, I always investigate this in all my reviews. With the Madisons, I noted hardly any running-in or warming-up phenomena. Both devices sound great even when cold, but they become slightly more fluid after being on for a little while. The Madison LE benefits from this in particular.
Listening Round 1 – S/PDIF with Headphones
Although Wattson Audio do not specifically seem to market the units for the headphone crowd, it seems to me that their particular feature set (a streamer, DAC, and amplifier with excellent volume control all in one) may be a dream come true for many headphone enthusiasts. This is why I started assessing the Madisons using a range of headphones loaned to me by two passionate headphone aficionado friends.
Here is a list of the headphones used for this test:
- Sennheiser HD-238i
- Sony 7520
- Sennheiser HD-650
- HifiMan Arya Stealth
- Audeze LCD-1
My two headphone buddies and I strongly prefer the Sennheiser HD-650 in the middle class and the HifiMan Arya Stealth in the higher end. As such, the list did not have to be this long. Nevertheless, testing a range of products is always good to avoid making a non-ideal match or relying on particular synergies.
For this first round, I used the XACT S1 UPnP server with the Aqua LinQ network player’s multiple outputs. This way, I could provide the same S/PDIF Belden RG59 coax signal to both Madisons at the same time. Incidentally, the Madisons were powered using the supplied standard power cables to a star-wired power distributor connected to the PS Audio P20 Power Plant.
The Leedh volume control works smoothly, silently, and accurately. Best of all, I did not notice any differences in sound quality or character at any volume setting.
Having tried all of the above headphones with the Madisons, it quickly became apparent that they behaved consistently with my earlier tests, with the HifiMan Arya Stealth coming out on top and the Sennheiser HD-650 being great at its price point. Nevertheless, the Madions also drove the other headphones very well. The Sony 7520 provides a very energetic and bright sound that can be very engaging with electronic music. The Audeze has a similar effect with more density and higher resolution. The Sennheiser HD-650 provides a well-balanced and refined sound that is easy to listen to, combined with good transparency. The HifiMan Arya Stealth finally provides a Sennheiser-like smooth sound but in a much more tangible manner with fantastic clarity and transparency.
So, how do the two Madisons compare with these headphones? Well, there’s good news and even better news. The good news is that the standard Madison sounds smooth, liquid, lush, well-saturated, and highly refined, making it an absolute joy to listen to. The even better news is that the streaming section is truly remarkable, but I’ll get to that in a bit. The Madison is a headphone amplifier for those who prefer to enjoy a wide music palette rather than dissect the content analytically. Indeed, the only vice of omission is that the Madison does not have the highest level of resolution and crisp directness I have heard from a headphone amp.
Leading the pack in these areas is the SAEQ Hyperion Ge, which costs double as much and has no digital inputs or streaming capabilities. The second best in these areas is the Laiv Harmony DAC + HP2A combo at 1000 euros more than the Madison LE with no streaming capabilities. As such, the decision becomes a matter of personal taste as much as one of priorities or budget.
Ultimate resolution aside, the Madison embodies several aspects of what constitutes high-end performance at a very reasonable price. While some may mention that cheaper Chinese options are available, I counter that the Madison is crafted in Switzerland, adhering to rigorous standards, utilizing thoughtfully designed and smoothly running software, and exhibiting a superior finish that more budget-friendly alternatives lack. It’s always been true that quality comes with a price, but solid engineering and smooth operation also significantly increase pride in ownership.
Switching to the Madison LE, the difference is immediately evident. I’d be tempted to call it night and day if they did not have a common quality, which I will address in a moment. First, what the Madison LE does differently is that it tightens up the entire presentation with crisper bass articulation, clearer mids, and more precise highs. Further, while still well-saturated, its tonality takes on a more textured sense, and the timbre becomes more realistic. The same goes for the transient behavior and dynamic impact. Finally, the shared DNA is evident in the solidity and meatiness of the presentation. Indeed, both streamers sound full-blooded and are decidedly “musical, ” and far from sounding lean, gray, or clinical.
Next: Listening Round 2, Streaming, and Conclusion
